ETW vs FTCB

Quick Verdict

FTCB has a lower expense ratio. ETW delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTCB offers more diversification with 331 holdings.

Lower Fees: FTCBHigher Returns: ETWMore Diversified: FTCB

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricETWFTCBWinner
Expense Ratio1.10%0.56%
AUM$936M$2.5B
Dividend Yield7.41%5.24%
Holdings291721
YTD Return+10.92%+0.12%
1Y Return+20.02%+2.43%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.89%-
5Y Return (annualized)+6.21%-
Volatility (annualized)16.9%5.1%
Max Drawdown-72.8%-5.0%
Fund FamilyEaton VanceFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryAlternativeFixed Income
InceptionSep 30, 2005Nov 7, 2023

ETW vs FTCB Performance

Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETW) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year ETW returned +20.02% while FTCB returned +2.43%. Year to date, ETW is up 10.92% versus a gain of 0.12% for FTCB.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ETW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -72.8% for ETW and -5.0% for FTCB. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ETW charges 1.10% per year while FTCB charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $56 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETW currently yields 7.41% against 5.24% for FTCB.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ETW and FTCB share 0 holdings out of 590 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ETW or FTCB?

ETW has an expense ratio of 1.10% while FTCB charges 0.56%. FTCB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ETW or FTCB?

Over the past year ETW returned +20.02% vs +2.43% for FTCB, so ETW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ETW annualized -1.13% vs +5.77% for FTCB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ETW or FTCB?

ETW has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: ETW -72.8% vs FTCB -5.0%.

Should I hold both ETW and FTCB?

ETW and FTCB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ETW and FTCB?

ETW and FTCB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 590 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ETW or FTCB?

ETW yields 7.41% while FTCB yields 5.24%, so ETW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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